In Memory of Matt Aydelott

Toni Sommer, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Cuesta College, shared Matt’s self-evaluation of his Faculty position as the instructor of Introduction to Workplace Readiness, Fall 2005. The following content is the actual text from Matt’s self-evaluation.

1. Professional growth in the classroom is important to me both as an instructor and the coordinator of the Introduction to Workplace Readiness Program. We have developed a number of new strategies and methods this semester, included but not limited to: classroom materials and activities, creative instructional techniques, additional guest speakers, a new text (California Career Planning Guide), and an overall effort to raise the level of our course curriculum. We have begun to use a variety of newer, more sophisticated career assessment tools, we are continually developing pre- and post-class academic assessments for our students, and we are implementing more web-based activities as available. Our student population can be a difficult group to engage, so a primary concern is developing innovative ways to teach our material. To this end, we continue to update the curriculum with interesting, creative activities.

   In my classroom, I am using the new text, I have scheduled unique guest speakers, and I have integrated a number of new career assessment tools. Unfortunately, San Luis Obispo High School does not have enough computer access to allow us a true web-based curriculum, but I have been able to translate many web activities into classroom and homework assignments.

2. I feel that organization and preparedness are both strengths that relate directly to my job performance; the first piece of advice I received upon taking this position was to always be overly prepared for every class. In each class session, we certainly have more than enough to do. I also feel able to establish a good rapport with my students, and relatively adept at teaching our specific curriculum in an engaging manner. I want my students to think critically about the material; I feel that I am successful in this endeavor.

3. Foremost, I’m concerned with continuing to grow the curriculum. I want each instructor – myself included – to keep raising the academic bar for the program. Again, new materials, activities and assignments are ongoing goals, and creative ideas for engaging our population is the basis for our staff meetings. I also feel that I’m just learning the craft of teaching, while I do feel comfortable (and engaging) in the classroom, much of my personal professional development relates to strategies for better ways to teach this class to our students.

4. I have researched a great amount of published and web-based material to improve our curriculum, and we continue to implement the best of what we find. Our resources have increased exponentially every semester, and we plan to continue the trend. I’ve also (as noted earlier) spent time researching teaching strategies and techniques in an effort to improve my instructional aptitude.

5. Introduction to Workplace Readiness itself provides a great service to outside community, and I handle most of the community outreach related to the program. I recruit the students, I am the liaison for the high schools and school districts partnered with the College for these classes, and I work with a variety of community agencies to facilitate our continued success. I am also the primary public relations liaison for our program. (This may be an answer for the evaluation of my “other job,” but I think it applies here.)

6. Believe it or not, I feel that I have a great relationship with my colleagues. All of the instructors and classroom assistants in the program are outstanding, dedicated educators and my experience teaching has given me a newfound respect for their hard work and talent. I feel lucky to be part of a great team.